The Drishyam franchise, once celebrated for its intelligent storytelling, has now turned into a full-blown ego drama. The Malayalam makers, instead of being proud that their story reached national glory, seem increasingly insecure, trying to control and restrict the Hindi version that made it famous in the first place.

The Origin Was Local, The Fame Was National

Yes, Drishyam began in Malayalam cinema. Mohanlal’s 2013 film was clever, well-written, and appreciated by critics. But let’s be real, it was a regional success, seen mostly within Kerala and film enthusiast circles.

Then came Ajay Devgn’s Hindi remake in 2015, and everything changed. Suddenly, Drishyam became a pop culture reference. The “2nd October” line became a national meme. Viewers across the country were quoting dialogues and discussing the ending twist.

The Hindi version didn’t just remake the story, it rebuilt it for a national audience, making Drishyam one of India’s most talked-about thrillers.

Malayalam Drishyam 2: A Dull Return

When the Malayalam Drishyam 2 released, expectations were sky-high, but what audiences got felt more like a flat, made-for-TV sequel than a gripping big-screen thriller. The film lacked visual punch and emotional intensity. Its cinematography was plain and uninspired, with scenes lit like a soap opera rather than a suspense drama. The pacing dragged, the tension fizzled out, and the overall feel was that of a TV serial stretched into a feature film.

While fans of the first part appreciated the continuation, the larger audience found it underwhelming. Outside Kerala, the film barely made noise, a far cry from the nationwide impact that the Hindi version would later achieve.

Hindi Drishyam 2: A Phenomenon

Then Ajay Devgn returned in 2022 with Drishyam 2, and the difference was night and day. The Hindi sequel became a massive blockbuster, collecting over ₹300 crore worldwide and emerging as one of the biggest hits of the year.

It had superior cinematography, sharp pacing, and emotional gravity that connected with both classes and masses. More importantly, it revived single screens and proved that thrillers, when done right, can rule the box office.

While the Malayalam version faded away quietly, the Hindi one created hysteria. Social media, theaters, critics, everyone was talking about it.

And Now, The Control Tactics Begin

Now that Drishyam 3 is in development, the Malayalam makers are suddenly claiming authority, restricting the Hindi team from releasing anything without their permission. They reportedly want the Malayalam version to release first, as if Bollywood owes them a head start.

It’s hard not to see this as insecurity disguised as “creative control.”

Because deep down, they know that once the Hindi Drishyam 3 drops, it will once again dominate the headlines, and their version will get overshadowed, just like last time.

The Truth They Don’t Want to Admit

The Malayalam Drishyam may have started the story, but it was Ajay Devgn who turned it into a brand. He brought scale, star power, and national reach. Without his version, Drishyam would have remained just another regional thriller known only to cinephiles.

It’s ironic that the same creators who benefited from Bollywood’s spotlight are now trying to gatekeep that success.

Instead of being proud that their story reached every corner of India, they’re acting territorial, as if Bollywood stole something from them, when in reality, it gave their creation global recognition.

Cinematic Scale vs. TV Drama Feel

Watch both versions side by side, and you’ll see it instantly:
The Malayalam version feels small, plain, and staged, like a drama shot for TV. Meanwhile, the Hindi version looks grand, cinematic, and immersive. The camera work, lighting, and pacing all elevate the story to a national blockbuster level.

That’s the difference between a regional adaptation and a true cinematic experience.

Final Word

The Malayalam makers lit the spark, but it was Ajay Devgn and his team who turned it into a raging fire.

Trying to control, delay, or dictate what Bollywood does next won’t change the fact that it was the Hindi remake that made Drishyam a household name across India.

At this point, the Malayalam side isn’t protecting art, they’re protecting ego.
And that’s the real mystery of Drishyam 3: not who buried the body, but who buried their gratitude.

Because whether they admit it or not,
Mohanlal created it,
but Ajay Devgn made it iconic.